A family reunion brings together people of all ages, backgrounds and interests. To make the most of your time together, plan activities that appeal to all ages and interests. Depending on the size of your family, this may require a planning committee.
For a younger crowd, a time capsule is a fun activity. Items such as a copy of USA Today, a TV guide, an envelope with a cancelled postage stamp and current photos are placed in a container to be unearthed at a future reunion. For older relatives, a family history workshop or a round table can be helpful. You can also conduct genealogy interviews or take a research trip to the library or courthouse.
To keep everyone fueled and happy, make sure to offer a variety of foods and drinks. Consider offering gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. It’s also a good idea to recruit food service volunteers before the reunion. And make sure to have first-aid supplies on hand for minor injuries, like scraped knees and bee stings.
Some families choose to hold a weekend or weeklong event. For a longer gathering, consider assigning one person to develop an overall schedule of events. This person can also help with budgeting by researching off-season discounts on venues, caterers and entertainers. The organizers can also solicit ideas from family members to avoid having too many scheduled activities. As with any event, be sure to leave time for walks, conversations and spontaneous adventures.